The Veterans Writing Project
The mission of the Writers Guild Foundation’s Veterans Writing Project is to identify emerging writers from United States military backgrounds and provide them with the tools and insights to nurture their passion for writing and successfully navigate the entertainment industry.
We do this in three phases over an eight to nine month period: A weekend-long retreat, weekly Basic Course, and monthly follow-up workshops and special events. Each military veteran is matched with WGA members. Our writer-mentors represent some of the most beloved movies and television series of the past and present, and are committed to guiding the voices of the future.
Upon completion of the program, qualified participants will have the opportunity to pitch their finished screenplay to leading industry executives, managers, agents, and showrunners.
Interested in receiving updates about the program? Subscribe to our email list here or sign up using the button below.
Program Overview
Over the course of several months, program participants develop one complete TV pilot or feature script under the guidance of their mentors, all of whom are working writers. Upon admission, each participant is placed in a small breakout group comprised of 4-6 fellow mentees and 2-3 mentors who share their format and genre preferences.
The program is heavily focused on the process of writing a script.
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The 2024-25 program began in June 2024.
Following a kickoff weekend retreat, we host a 10-week “Basic Course,” during which we review the fundamentals of writing for the screen.
Ongoing mentorship workshops and networking events will continue on a monthly basis, typically on Tuesdays from 7-10pm PT.
The program is approximately 8-9 months overall.
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All sessions typically take place at the WGF’s Shavelson-Webb Library in Los Angeles, CA.
Current sessions are hosted online via Zoom with some in-person events.
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The program is free thanks to our generous donors.
Please note, those from outside the Los Angeles area are expected to cover their own transportation and lodging costs.
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We can accommodate approximately 45-50 writers.
By addressing both the fundamentals of writing for the screen and providing an overview of the business, we hope to provide each graduate with a comprehensive understanding of the craft and industry at large.
Eligibility
We encourage U.S. military veterans and military service members who are interested in the craft and business of screenwriting and storytelling to apply. Applicants must be 21+ years old and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
See our application guidelines for more info on eligibility.
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Some form of writing experience, personal or professional, is required. Script writing experience is strongly encouraged even if an applicant is self-taught.
It is most important, however, that applicants show a passion for the craft and business of writing and a commitment to completing one screenplay or TV pilot during the program.
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Generally, alumni are not permitted to reapply to the program. Exemptions include alumni who participated in the program prior to the inclusion of the extended yearlong course or those who exclusively participated in the Weekend Retreat.
How to Apply
Submissions for the 2024-25 cycle are closed. Please return to this page at a later date for information on the next cycle. For more information about the application process, please visit this page.
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If you intend to apply, please be ready to share the following information:
A writing sample (TV pilot, feature, short film, spec scripts accepted)
Sample loglines/story ideas
Essay question responses (150-250 words each)
A personal statement (400-500 words)
A copy of your DD214 with your Social Security number redacted
Your resume
Review our application guidelines for more info on these requirements.
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WGF staff and/or admissions committee members may reach out to select applicants for a phone or Zoom interview. This is not guaranteed.
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Each application undergoes an intensive review process by several members of our admissions committee. The committee is comprised of writers and showrunners, most of whom serve as mentors in the program.
WGF hosted an info session about the 2024-25 Veterans Writing Project on January 8, 2024. Watch a recording of the session on YouTube to learn more.
Questions about the application process? Check out the application guidelines page or email us with specific inquiries.
Volunteering
If you are a WGA member and you are interested in mentoring, please contact us at vets@wgfoundation.org. And please consider making a tax-deductible donation here.
If you are not a WGA member or a veteran, we appreciate your interest in supporting the program. Our volunteer needs are currently met, but you may email Kira at vets@wgfoundation.org for more information on how to give your time to the Veterans Writing Project. And please consider making a tax-deductible donation here.
